Walking is one of the most approachable forms of exercise, and its health benefits number in the dozens. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself daily!
However, with busy schedules from work, family commitments, and more, it can be hard to get up and moving. We highly recommend setting a daily step goal for yourself and gathering the best tips and tricks to make your goal a reality.
Read below to find out how to reach your daily step goal, and shop the best walking shoes and apparel at Goodmiles Running Company today.
What is a Good Daily Step Goal by Age?
Before you start working towards your goal, you first need to decide what your objective is. People often quote 10,000 steps a day as the ideal goal, but is that right for you? The best daily step goal often depends on your age.
Generally, people under 60 years old should aim for 8,000-10,000 steps a day. Individuals over 60 years old need less, typically around 6,000-8,000. These step goals have been proven to improve longevity, and other health benefits increase with added steps.
An important consideration is whether walking is your primary form of exercise. If you are cross-training with other movements, such as running or biking, you may not necessarily need to hit this step goal every day (although it never hurts)! You can always work with a trainer or your doctor to develop a more specialized plan that’s right for you.
Top Ten Tips to Reach 10,000 Steps a Day
Keep Track of Your Progress with Fitness Trackers
Keeping track of your progress is key when you’re trying to hit a goal. Pedometers and fitness trackers have become an everyday accessory for many people, which makes it easier than ever to log your daily step count.
There are plenty of options on the market right now, from the classic Fitbit to the all-in-one Apple Watch. Check out this list of the 15 Best Fitness Trackers for different uses, phone connections, and budgets.
Walk with a Destination in Mind
Walking for the sake of it isn’t for everybody. If you’re someone who likes the idea of walking but doesn’t want to feel aimless, try picking a destination for every walk. This can be as simple as walking to do your errands, to work, or to meet a friend for dinner. If you can cut the car out safely on your route, go for it!
Reward Yourself
Try setting a larger goal apart from your step count. For example, if you hit 10,000 steps a day for five days out of every week in a month, you could choose to reward yourself with a new pair of shoes (perhaps from your favorite local shoe store, Goodmiles Running Company!) Having a major goal can motivate you on days when you’re less inclined to get up and move.
Stock Up on Walking Shoes and Apparel You Love
“Look good, feel good” is more than just a cliche. If you have shoes and apparel that you feel comfortable and/or attractive in, you’ll be much more inclined to walk.
Goodmiles has the best walking shoes and apparel from the hottest brands currently on the market. Check out our guides for some of our most popular brands:
Block Off Time in Your Calendar to Walk
If you want to make walking a higher priority in your schedule, setting aside calendar time in advance helps. Block off the time period in which you want to walk (ideally the same time every day if you want to make it routine) and don’t allow yourself to schedule anything else at that time.
Cut Out the Tech
Technology has made it easy to accomplish everything we need without ever having to move. Resist the urge to send a text or instant message to family members or coworkers; instead, get up and walk to speak with people directly. Even a few extra steps across the office builds up your step count!
Walk with Friends or Pets
Everything is better with a friend (or a dog!) Planning to walk with friends or committing to walking a pet is an easy way to create accountability for yourself. It also helps you to feel productive as you walk — you’re getting both exercise and socializing done at the same time!
Walking is also a great way to make new friends. Goodmiles offers a running and walking club that meets weekly to get steps in together! All paces and levels of experience are invited to join our welcoming community of movers.
Walk Outside
Spending time in the great outdoors can be a huge serotonin boost! Walking outside is excellent for your physical and mental health, and the joy of nature and fresh air is hard to beat. If you’re looking for beautiful places to walk in the Milwaukee area, we’ve compiled a guide to the best hiking trails and walking paths around Milwaukee.
Invest in In-Home Treadmills and Walk Pads
On days when walking outside isn’t possible (or on days where you just don’t want to leave the house), plenty of in-home options are great replacements. Treadmills are the classic workout machine, but a lower-cost investment is a walk pad, which is a smaller version of the treadmill’s base. An extra bonus is that walk pads fit well under desks, so it’s perfect for taking a quick walk while working from home.
Increase Your Distance Between Destinations
It’s tempting to try and find the closest parking spot possible, but parking in the back of the lot means more steps between you and the door. Try parking farther away from your office or errands, and see how much those extra steps add up throughout the day.
Goodmiles Running Company Makes Walking Easy
“Running” may be in the name, but Goodmiles Running Company has everything walkers need to get the most out of their everyday movements. The highest-quality shoes, apparel, and gear are available at our two locations in Brookfield and Greenfield as well as online at goodmilesrunning.com.
We wish you the best of luck reaching your goals — we’re here to support you every step of the way!